Motherhood Makes You Brave

It was a day my husband was out of town for work. I had a doctor’s appointment for my son and daughter. So it was the three of us walking to the doctor’s office from the hospital parking garage. One of the first things I noticed as we left the car was that the elevator was temporarily out of service. 

So there I was with one child on each hip walking down the stairs to ensure I made it to the appointment on time. That’s when we approached a couple with two small children, and who I believed to be a mother said to me with bold eyes, “You’re brave.” 

I take it she understood what it takes to get out of the house for appointments with little ones. I replied to her with excitement by saying, “Yes, I am.” 

The more I thought about this passing statement, the more I realized that in life, we don’t always choose bravery.

Sometimes bravery chooses us.

To others bravery is seeing someone take a chance in motherhood. To me, bravery was all I knew at that moment. 

To others, bravery is taking a chance of double meltdowns. To me, bravery was not letting the what-ifs hinder me.  

By definition, the word brave means, “Showing courage.” 

So, if showing courage is what it means to be brave, then I’ll continue to be brave. 

I’ll continue to take chances to be the best mom I can be. 

I’ll continue to take leaps of faith into the unknown. 

I’ll continue to walk with my shoulders back, head held high, and with a humble heart. 

And eventually, I will become even braver with every step I take forward. 

I’m reminded of what a brave, young girl once spoke to herself in the face of fear, “It’s not that she doesn’t feel fear. She just doesn’t allow it to consume her.” 

Truly, this is how I pioneer my life. 

What would happen if you didn’t stop in the face of fear or of the unknown? 

I encourage you to embrace whatever it is with courage. 

When you do this, get ready for others to take notice of your boldness. 

Remember, “You’re brave.” 

That just means your courageous. 

Originally published on the author’s Instagram page